By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter This week has been a trying one for me. I lost a dear friend unexpectedly. While I still struggle with understanding why, my focus remains on her husband and young daughter. My friend was an entrepreneur and a bold and driven woman; she traveled, she truly lived and gave 110% to everything she did. At only 28 she dreamed big and followed each of … [Read more...]
Don't Lose Yourself In Your Marriage
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Inspired by a comment on my last post "How Do Couples Outgrow One Another" I had to touch on this topic. One of the readers revealed her decision to put her life, dreams and plans on hold to fully invest in those of her husband. She mentioned her regret in that choice. Just like the previous dialogue, this is also a conversation that needs to be … [Read more...]
How Do Couples Outgrow One Another?
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Sadly, as my circle of married friends shrinks my frustration grows. BMWK family, I have been with you long enough and I feel comfortable enough with you to vent. What I am most disturbed about the dissolution of my friends' marriages is the reasoning behind the decision. Infidelity and abuse (physical, emotional or substance) I get. Even with … [Read more...]
Book Review: Make It Happen
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Fear is normal for anyone starting a business or career, but it's how you use that fear that makes all the difference. Whether you use it to fuel your dreams or allow it to stop you is totally up to you. But consider, just for a moment, using it as fuel. BMWK's very own Managing Editor Tara Pringle Jefferson did just that and talks about it in … [Read more...]
Should Women Propose?
by Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Normally, I would be reluctant to openly admit one of my guilty pleasures, but for the sake of this conversation I must reveal I am now caught up into all the drama that is reality TV - i.e. Love & Hip Hop. For those unfamiliar, Love & Hip Hop is a reality show centered on a group of women who are either in love with a hip hop star or … [Read more...]
No More Lazy Parenting
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Like many working mothers, after the 9-to-5 I am pretty much wiped out. Unfortunately (because there never appears to be a break) and fortunately (because children are God's gift to us), our second job begins. Although there isn't normally much energy left over, we still have to produce because that second job is the most important. We fail if we … [Read more...]
“Marriages Don't Fall Apart Overnightâ€
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter My heart just bleeds for the ex-wife of Dwyane Wade. Recently Dwyane was awarded sole custody of his children. I thought of his wife because I empathize with the emotions she must be feeling. I thought of her many times as I heard of his new relationship and how he appeared to be moving on. As I shared my concern for her during a conversation … [Read more...]
What Baggage Did You Bring Into Your Marriage?
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter The past is the past, right? Well, why does it creep into our marriages? Sometimes it is even disguised as something else. When I was growing up, I observed my mother do everything for us. She worked, paid the bills and provided for our every need. She raised us alone and didn't really have to answer to anyone as to the way she did it. While … [Read more...]
“PDAâ€- How Much Is Too Much In Front Of Children?
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Recently an interesting conversation started during a diversity training event on the amount and type of affection, by couples, displayed in front of children. One of the participants voiced a strong concern relating to same-sex couples living in her neighborhood. She strongly believed that everyone should live the life they choose. However. she … [Read more...]
The Kind Of Girl A Guy Marries
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter When I was in college and dating there always seemed to be drama in the relationships. Every time I thought I possibly had "the one" it turned out to be "the wrong one." I convinced myself that we were all too young anyway to find "the one" in college. College dating was supposed to be all about fun, nothing serious. So why did I keep thinking … [Read more...]
Did You Prepare Yourself For Marriage?
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter During this past Sunday's sermon, my Pastor shared a story regarding a conversation had with a single woman about marriage. After being asked about being married this single woman admitted she was not ready to become a wife, revealing her dire need for a makeover. Not a physical makeover, but a life makeover. In hearing this story, I was most … [Read more...]
The “Friend” Part of Marriage
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter One of the main ingredients in my marriage is friendship. I've found that being in love and possessing a true friendship with your spouse makes for a great relationship. Thinking of how we normally build our friendships, I wonder why more of us don't create marriages that include these same qualities. The relationships you have developed with your … [Read more...]
“Young Man, Pull Your Pants Up!”
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter My husband nearly gave me a panic attack when he came home and shared how he had just told a young man to pull up his pants, which had been sagging well beneath his behind. My first reaction was to search for bruises on my husband as I just knew this could not have gone well. I wondered how the young man responded and whether or not he had cursed … [Read more...]
Am I the Only Parent in This House?
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Okay, special shout out to all the occasionally stressed out, burned out mothers who feel you may just scream if you hear the words "Mommy, can you"..." one more time. As a mother, I can admit, sometimes my days are just downright stressful. From time to time, I need an "I'm not a Mommy" hour (or two), where I sit in silence and … [Read more...]
Divorce Magazine vs. Marriage Magazine
By Tiya Cunningham-Sumter Did you know a magazine existed (currently on newsstands) called "Divorce Magazine"? Well, I had no idea. Imagine my surprise as I am leaving the grocery store and there it was ready to be grabbed; and it was free. I wondered how much could be said about divorce that warranted an entire magazine. I don't doubt that going through a divorce is one … [Read more...]